Some Grammars using Japanese Verb te-form -Intermediate Lessons: 12

In this lesson, you will learn some new grammars making use of Japanese verb te-form. You have already learned how to change verbs from dictionary-form to te-form in the basic lessons and how te-form is used in some grammars.

Japanese Verb (て-form) みます

This first grammar is about using te-form to express the action you are trying to do.

The sentence pattern of this new grammar is very simple...

Verb (て-form) みます
Verb (te-form) mimasu

It emphasizes that the action denoted by the verb is a trial. Let's use some examples so that you can see how to use it.

What is the Difference Between This Pattern and ～ながら (nagara)?

In example 1, after putting on glasses, (with this state remained) you continue to read book. Whereas in example 2, you are putting on glasses and reading book at the same time.

Another Sentence Pattern for Verb1 (ない-form)で Verb2

There is another meaning for the same sentence pattern Verb1 (ない-form)で Verb2. This pattern is used when the speaker indicates a course of action taken out of two alternative possibilities presented. This is different from the previous pattern where the speaker remains under the condition of the first action and performs the second action. For example...

来週の日曜日はどこも行かないで、うちでゆっくり休みます。
raishuu no nichi youbi wa dokomo ikanaide uchi de yukkuri yasumimasuMeaning: Next Sunday I won't go anywhere. I will rest at home instead.

In this example, the speaker chooses to do one of the two actions (go somewhere and rest at home).

More Examples

バスに乗らないで駅まで自転車で行きます。
basu ni noranaide eki made jitensha de ikimasuMeaning: I go to the station without taking the bus. I ride the bicycle instead.

ケーキは買わないで自分で作ります。
ke-ki wa kawanaide jibunde tsukurimasuMeaning: I don't buy the cake. I will make it myself instead.